Party to mark bridge reopening

It’s party time in Linton as the community prepares to celebrate the long-awaited re-opening of the flood damaged bridge across the River Wharfe this weekend.

The Windmill Inn is hosting a sell-out bridge opening event from 2.30pm on Saturday, September 2 to mark the reinstatement of the ancient structure which suffered severe damage in the 2015 Boxing Day floods.

“We’re incredibly excited for the bridge to re-open on Saturday,” said Janet Bilton, landlady of the 450-year-old venue. “It’s been a long 21 months which has seen business drop by a massive 40 per cent. With the country already seeing many closures of local pubs, it’s been a turbulent time, but we’d like to thank everyone who has continued to support the Windmill Inn and we’re looking forward to welcoming you back across the bridge.”

Residents and visitors to Linton have had to endure an eight mile trip to get to the Collingham side of the bridge, made worse in recent weeks by roadworks in Wetherby.

Harewood councillor Ryan Stephenson said: “After over 18 months of distruption we’ll be pleased to have the bridge back up and running.

“To mark the occasion we’ve organised a community celebration, beginning with a ribbon cutting at midday by two local representatives from Collingham and Linton, alongside the Lord Mayor of Leeds.”

Residents are asked to assemble either side of the bridge from 11.30am onwards for the ribbon cutting ceremony at noon.